Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said that implementation of the TRIPP project will significantly expand trade and economic ties between Armenia and Iran and contribute to establishing a railway connection between the Persian Gulf and the Black Sea.
Speaking to journalists after a Cabinet meeting on July 9, Pashinyan commented on remarks made a day earlier by Iran’s Ambassador to Armenia, Khalil Shogholami, who said Tehran had concerns regarding the project.
The Prime Minister stressed that the TRIPP initiative also serves the interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
“Through the implementation of the TRIPP project, we will open a railway connection from the Persian Gulf to the Black Sea, significantly expanding trade and economic opportunities between Armenia and Iran. It will also substantially increase the trade and economic opportunities of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The implementation of the TRIPP project sincerely and directly serves Iran’s interests,” Pashinyan said.
He added that Armenia is ready to hold open and transparent discussions with Iran on the matter.
“We are transparent and prepared to answer any questions. It is important to clearly define what the concerns are about. We are confident that all concerns can be addressed,” he noted.
According to Pashinyan, Armenia will continue working on the TRIPP project with all interested partners.
“We will continue working with Iran, Russia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Türkiye, the European Union, the Central Asian countries, and China, because this is a global project, and we want to begin its implementation as soon as possible. I hope the first work on the ground will start as early as this autumn,” he said.
Speaking at a press conference on July 8, Iran’s Ambassador to Armenia Khalil Shogholami said Iran’s concerns over a direct U.S. presence near its borders are legitimate and require a clear response. He added that the Armenian government has assured Tehran that implementation of the project would not create any threat or challenge to Iran stemming from a U.S. presence.
